THEWIRE

Delaware Tech’s Aevidum Club helps spread the word to end the word

By Shane A. Smith

 

Delaware Tech’s Aevidum club held an event called “Spread the Word to End the Word” in the Student Services Center on March 10,2014. The club and event are both operated by club advisor Jason Burlew.

 

“This was a very positive event for the entire campus to participate in,” Burlew stated. “Students and faculty members got involved by passing along the information that they learned about the ‘r-word’ to others who might not be familiar with it.”

 

Aevidum is student club dedicated to promoting positive mental health on campus through educating students on depression, suicide prevention, bullying, and abuse. “This club is based on a club started in Lancaster, Pennsylvania high school after a student took their own life,” Burlew stated.

 

“It was brought to the Owens Campus by our president Austin Reynolds, who helped start a similar club at her high school, Polytech High School.”

 

The word “aevidum” is a made-up Latin word with a life-changing meaning. The meaning of the word is “I’ve got your back”.

 

Spread the Word to End the Word is a national campaign created by the Special Olympics Organization to stop use of the word “retard”, or the “r-word”. “The ‘r-word’ has evolved into a slur,” Burlew stated.

 

“All Delaware Tech campuses, as well as several other colleges and school districts across the country, encouraged their students and staff to take a pledge to refrain from using the ‘r-word’ by signing a banner at the event.”

 

Those who signed the banner received a free Spread the Word to End the Word bracelet a free Delaware Tech Spread the Word to End the Word t-shirt were given to people to share why it is important to support this worthy cause also received. At the event, Aevidum club members provided entertainment and shared videos and stories related to “Spread the Word to End the Word”.

 

“This event was a great opportunity for the campus community to take note of the kind of language they use on a daily basis,” Burlew stated.  “Some of us don’t realize the words we use and the impact they might have on other people. Some people might be using the ‘r-word’ now without knowing that it puts people down.”

 

The Delaware Tech Aevidum Club plans to have more events planned for the semester. The club is open to anyone who wants to join. If anyone wants to join this club, see Jason Burlew or any Aevidum club member.